Quick Disclaimer: I’m not a medical professional. This is my personal experience. Please see a dermatologist for personalized advice—most insurance plans will cover hair loss visits.
How It Started
In 2020, I noticed my hair shedding like crazy—maybe from the stress of that year, maybe from body changes I didn’t understand.
I booked a dermatologist appointment. Blood work, a scalp sample, and a prescription later, I had my diagnosis: female pattern baldness. My follicles were weak, so while I could grow hair, it just wouldn’t stay put.
The $3,000 Mistake
In 2021, I tried laser treatments. They worked a little, but you need 12+ sessions to see great results. I paid $3,000 for only 4 sessions—hard pass. Then in 2022, COVID knocked out any progress I’d made.
Back to the Basics
I went back to my oral Minoxidil and Spironolactone. I was exercising 5x a week, eating well, and feeling good. Then fall 2022 happened—stress came back, hair fell again. I stayed on my meds, moved my body when I could, and kept going.
The Bob Era
Fall 2023: I chopped my hair into a bob to focus on quality over length.
Spring 2024: Took a haircutting class with one of my favorite influencer stylists. The brand Milbon introduced me to their scalp care line—didn’t make my hair grow faster, but my scalp felt amazing and allowed my hair to grow stronger because I was nourishing the hairs from when it exits my scalp.
Where I’m At in 2025
My hair is long, healthy, and growing. The difference? I finally put in the consistent work. Emphasizing on consistent. With my medications and scalp care routine.
My Top Hair Growth Tips
Hair loss is normal. Especially in men—don’t panic.
Check your water. Some cities heavily depend on chlorine to clean the water enough to be safe for usage. With that some water can be really tough on hair. If you have well water the minerals that you deposit into your hair with every shampoo can be harmful.
Start early. Oral Minoxidil or topical Rogaine can make a difference if you don’t wait out of embarrassment.
Your follicles might just be sleeping. Meds can wake them, but dead follicles won’t grow hair.
One step at a time. Start with meds, then add exercise/diet changes. Don’t overwhelm yourself.
Be patient. I’ve been working on this for 5 years.
Manage stress. Your hair feels it, too.
Consider a hair transplant. On my bucket list before 40.
Scalp Care
Healthy hair starts with a clean scalp.
Especially for my Asian and/or dark-haired friends: wash your hair more often. The “no wash for a week” myth? Gross. If you need to wash daily, do it.
My go-tos:
Milbon Gold Enhancing Vivacity Effervescence
Milbon Enhancing Vivacity Essence
I’m going to add that i use a Jolie shower head filter for my shower so i can make sure that the water cleaning my hair is the most top tier for my hair journey.
These + my meds have finally gotten me compliments on my hair (first time in my life!).
Medications I’ve Used
Talk to your doctor before starting anything.
Minoxidil – Active ingredient in Rogaine; oral or topical.
Finasteride – Haven’t tried yet, but plan to ask about it.
Spironolactone – Heart med that helps regulate stress hormones; reduces shedding. Not pregnancy-safe.
Vitamin D – Common deficiency in Minnesota; helps with hair health.
Lifestyle Matters
Sleep – Crucial for recovery and growth.
Diet – Too much caffeine and sugar will hurt your progress.
Exercise – Great, but prioritize rest first.
Hair growth isn’t quick—it’s a slow, steady investment. Start with one change, stick with it, and build from there.
If you do nothing else? Care for your scalp, manage your stress, and don’t wait to start.
left image is May 2022 after covid i lost my hair again. image on the right 08/15/2025 the most recent look at my hair growth.
